Tell your representative that it's time tochange the music business.

The goal of Music By State is to demand legislative investigations into certain practices that we believe are preventing innovation that could create a more healthy and robust music ecosystem for artists, fans, and other stakeholders.

Tell us more about how you interact with the music you love! Take the survey below.

STEP 1 – Find your legislators.

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STEP 2 – Review the Email.

STEP 3 – Send it!

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By taking action you are helping to fix something that’s been broken for too long.

Rather than a single price — too often set by congressman and big companies instead of the musicians themselves — dominating the industry, by continuing to apply pressure that forces free market pricing, we can ensure that the music industry continues to evolve.

Demand an open, transparent investigation into the major labels price-fixing practices.

I am writing about an issue that I and many other citizens are deeply passionate about: music.

I and others believe strongly that due to long-standing practices, the music industry – inclusive of artists, fans, and entrepreneurs – has been nearly irrevocably damaged. It is, of course, common knowledge that virtually all but the largest superstar musicians are increasingly unable to generate any revenue – let alone, a sustainable living – from their work.

What is perhaps less known is that the same factors that have led to these precarious times for musicians has also created an environment in which entrepreneurs who desire to innovate in the music space – often with the intent of providing new revenue models for artists – are either effectively barred from entry or quickly economically outmaneuvered by incumbents.

In both cases, the direct cause of this current unsustainable music landscape are the following factors:

– Price Fixing/Collusion

– Disregard of the 35-year copyright reversion

Price fixing/collusion, or, more formally, violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act has long undermined innovation resulting in a decisive advantage for the large players – historically, major labels and their associated distribution and publishing arms disallowing competition and/or innovation; and, more recently, online download/streaming services following their lead.

The second element, the disregard of the 35 year copyright reversion clause, is in direct conflict with the 1976 copyright act, which set forth that works transferred on or after January 1, 1978 may be reclaimed by their creators thirty-five years later.

We believe that only through: 1. Enforcement of anti-collusionary practices, and 2. Penalties for those who disregard the 35-year copyright reversion will artists, entrepreneurs, and fans have a healthy music business ecosystem.

Therefore, we the undersigned, strongly request you and your office to launch an open, transparent investigation on the recording industry’s open contempt and disregard of The Sherman Antitrust Act and the 1976 Copyright Statute.